I just bought a new (2002 model) SAR 1, after much research.  I have, as always, a limited budget. ( 1 in college and one 1 high school )
I would like to customize it to fit my needs (wants).  What I want to do is put a muzzle brake on it, a forward vertical grip, a red dot scope, a better pistol grip, and a tactical light.  Is there a pin on brake that will fit this weapon or do I need to get it threaded and permantly affixed. Can I put a rail on the lower handguard to mount the light and forward grip or do I need to buy the pre-made one (vendors please?)I can mount a rail made for the AR with the use of a dremel tool if the lower handgaurd can support it.  I like the Hogue pistol grip as I have one on my AR as shown from Ultimac.com.  I also like the looks of their forward scope mount that replaces the gas tube, but am leary of the heat that might be generated, affecting the scope.  Would a regular side mount with Weavers be better?  I know this is a lot of shit to ask in one post, but I trust the experience of the board to steer me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.---savage1

savage1,  I'm in the same boat as you.  I recently ordered the scope rail from Ultimak.  They said heat would not adversely effect the scope.  Especially on semi-auto.  Mine is semi only and I only bump fire to impress the guys at work!  I'm currently attaching an accesory rail for a forward grip and tac-light to plastic furniture so I can't comment on making it fit into a wood grip.  When I;m all done I'll try and get pics up, but it'll be awhile.  I didn't like the idea of the standard scope rail cause it seems too high for me and I wanted a red dot.  I think the red dot will work fine above the gas tube and I can still co-witness my iron sights with the Ultimak rail.  Installation is very easy and I hear they have the best instructions...i need them as I have zero mechanical skills.

I installed one of the weaver rails for AR15's on a plastic handguard and attached a KAC vertical grip on my old SAR3.I also mounted the Ultimak gas tube and had excellent results.I mounted an Eotech to it but it didn't co-witness with the iron sights.I plan on buying another Ultimak for my SAR1 and mounting an Aimpoint so it will co-witness.I'm currently looking into mounting a decent light as well.I have come up with a couple ideas. 1)Surefire Classic Series light that mounts to the barrel.This light has a pressure pad switch that could be mounted to the side of your handguard. 2)Installing a weaver-railed handguard.This allows mounting of a vertical grip and a Surefire G2 light.The G2 can be mounted with a 1" scope ring or a Fobus light mount. 3) Mounting a weaver-railed handguard and attaching a Surefire M900 which is a grip/light combo. #2 would be the cheapest route and #3 the most expensive. #1 would work great if you didn't want a vertical grip. Tapco has some nice SAW style grips for the AK and as mentioned, www.riflestocks.com sells a whole bunch of great US made grips as well as othe AK accessories.Just remember, customizing is only limited by your imagination and maybe your budget.

I will stipulate that Campy has forgotten more about Kalashnikovs than I'll ever know. That having been said; like everybody else I have both an asshole and an opinion. (Not necessarily in that order)

Optics: I've owned a couple of Kobras and they are damned fine gear. However, I settled on Optimaks and Aimpoints for both my 7.62 and 5.45 guns even though the latter setup is a lot more costly. Reasons: Weight, optical quality, cheek weld, co-witness with irons, and the rifle will fit in the gun safe among it's brethren without having to remove the scope. The issue of overheating the scope is non-existent.

Lighting: I put Surefire barrel clamps on all my carbines. This allows me to swap one expensive Surefire light between all my carbines in about seven seconds.

Pistol grip. I very much like the Tapco minimi grip. The ergonomics are excellent and it has a compartment where you can store batteries for your light, red-dot, and any marital aids you may have brought along.

Luck,

SD

Good stuff fairly cheap means:
Kobra- I agree with SD on many points but the $150 unit is hard to beat and easy to sell for close to that if you change your mind later.
ak-103.com- $50.50 delivered got my US parts muzzle adaptor and 74-style brake, finish the bare parts, fit on the bbl, tack weld to the front sight base on both sides

and any of the posts above can work out fine...